• Inhale. Lift your chest and ribcage up and lengthen your spine. Keep lifting, and open your chest, as you look behind you and uncurl your toes so they are resting flat on the floor. Hold for 30 seconds and then release slowly returning to your original position.

Make it harder• To add extra challenge, try taking hold of your opposite ankles, or perform the pose with your thighs, calves, and inner feet all touching. This will force you to stretch back further, resulting in a deeper stretch along the front of your body.

Make it easier• If you find this pose difficult, place a rolled up blanket under your feet, so your heels are easier to reach. You can also place yoga blocks on either side of your feet so you can rest your hands on the blocks rather than on your heels.